Norwich School Blog

2015 World Diabetes Day

#ICan Campaign

Norwich School Design Department

On Saturday 14 November 2015 the world marked World Diabetes Day and launched the UK #Ican campaign. In Norwich staff from the Jenny Lind Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Youth Diabetes Team had organised a range of events and activities at the UEA Sports Park. These events ranged from Gymnastics to Yoga, from rock climbing to making a dream catcher. The aim of the event was to encourage children with diabetes to realise that they can do anything, whilst also providing ongoing care, support and encouragement. Norwich School pupils were there to support the event helping to run both the Art and Craft events, and the Aspect Film Company recording the events of the day and also ran an animation workshop. The day attracted 200+ visitors and ended with a gathering around the Norwich Castle Rotunda, which was illuminated blue in support of the day's events.

On Tuesday 17 November two pupils from the school ran a cathedral assembly outlining the nature and complexities of Type 1 diabetes. They also took the opportunity to thank the school community for something they had not done yet, as the School's Charity Committee has agreed that funds raised from the school 'home clothes day' in December would be donated to support the Norwich and District Youth Diabetes Group and a continuous glucose monitor fund for the Jenny Lind Diabetes unit. The fund will help provide monitors that allow children to check their blood glucose levels, 24 hours a day, without the need for a finger pricking blood test. Within the assembly there was also a physically and mentally challenging simulation of what it might be like to experience a diabetic 'hypo' (low blood glucose levels).

The assembly ended with a presentation of a cheque by Kip Bertram (ON) to diabetes nurse Paul Hill match-funding the projected money raised by the forthcoming home clothes day event.

The posters, animations and promotion for the event have all been designed by upper sixth pupils within Art and Design.

Many thanks to all that have been involved for their hard work and supportthroughout this busy period of events, helping to raise funds for an excellent cause which will help lots of children within our region.